Page:Monk and the miller's wife (4).pdf/3

 Within, my lane, I'm but a woman,

Sae I'll unbar the door to no man."

But since ’tis very likes my dow,

That a' ye're telling may be true,

Hae, there's a key, gang in your way

At the neist door, there's braw ait strae;

Streek down upon’t my lad, and learn

They're no ill lodg’d that get a barn.”

Thus, after meikle clitter clatter,

James fand he coudna mend the matter;

And since it mightna better be

With resignation took the key,

Unlock't the barn—clam up the mon,

Where was an opening near the hou,

Through whilk he saw a glint o’ light,

That gave diversion to his sight;

By this he quickly could discern

A thin wa’ sep’rate house and barn;

And through this rive was i’ the wa’,

All done within the house he saw:

He saw (what ought not to be seen,

And scarce gave credit to his een)

The parish priest, of reverend fame,

In active courtship with the dame.—

To lengthen out description here,

Would but offend the modest ear,

And beet the lewder youthfu’ flame

That we by satire strive to tame.

Suppose the wicked action o’er,

And James continuing still to glowr;

Wha saw the wife as fast as able,

Spread a clean service on the table,

Syne bring frae the ha’ ingle ben,

A pipin het young roasted hen,